Migraine is a complex condition with variety of symptoms characterised by moderate to severe headache. It can cause throbbing pain or pulsing sensation often affecting one side of the head. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light, sound or smell.
The excruciating pain of migraine can last for hours or even days. The attack can be preceded by an aura of sensory disturbances including flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling on one side of the face or in the arm or leg. Occasionally, an aura can occur with little or no headache following it.
The common treatments for Migraine includes OTC (Over the counter) pain killers to calm the headache, anti-emetic drugs to prevent the nausea or vomiting. Preventive measures are often adopted to reduce the intensity of an upcoming attack using beta blockers, anticonvulsants etc.

Migraine – Ayurvedic approach

Migraine has deep rooted causes including sensitive nervous system and impaired digestive functions. The headache and the associated symptoms are the manifestation of the underlying problems.

Causes of migraine

The balance of dosha (humors of the body) is affected by long term unhealthy habits that cause instability to body systems to manifest symptoms of migraine. The causes include

Due to these causes the Pitta dosha will be aggravated which would cause improper digestion and synthesis of digestive impurities called Ama. These would block the channels to aggravate Vata dosha to cause throbbing pain.
Treatments and management

The primary objective is to limit all the causative factors mentioned above which leads to migraine. Regulating Pitta dosa is of prime importance, it will correct digestive functions.

Diet and lifestyle

Eat at regular intervals, do not skip meals. Fasting is not recommended in migraine

Ensure proper sleep (minimum 6 hours uninterrupted)

Drink plenty of water. Include fruits, fiber, vegetables and whole grains in the diet.